Spinal Injury Management Flashcards

What is the primary concern when managing a suspected spinal injury in the water?

Answer: Preventing movement of the head and spine

The top priority with suspected spinal injuries is immobilizing the head and spine to prevent further damage to the spinal cord during the rescue.

Which mechanism of injury most commonly causes spinal injuries in aquatic environments?

Answer: Diving into shallow water

Diving headfirst into shallow water is the most common cause of cervical spinal injuries at aquatic facilities, often resulting in serious or permanent paralysis.

What in-water technique does the ALA recommend to stabilize the head and neck of a suspected spinal injury victim?

Answer: Head-splint technique

The head-splint technique immobilizes the victim's head between the rescuer's forearms while keeping the face out of the water.

When should a lifeguard suspect a spinal injury even if the victim is conscious and says they feel fine?

Answer: After any diving or head-first water entry accident

Any diving or forceful head-first entry warrants spinal precautions because adrenaline can mask pain and spinal cord swelling may not produce symptoms immediately.

What is the correct procedure for removing a spinal injury victim from the water?

Answer: Use a backboard with multiple rescuers to maintain spinal alignment

A rigid backboard with multiple rescuers performing a coordinated lift is the standard method to maintain spinal alignment during water extraction.

Which signal indicates a possible spinal cord injury in a conscious victim in the water?

Answer: Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities indicates possible spinal cord compression or injury and requires immediate spinal precautions.